Disobedience

ByYvonne McArthur
A woman's face emerges from clouds of dark green and black paint, while swirls of raspberry and orange explode from her hair. She wears a solemn expression.

The sky is oiled orange
gleaming along the metal
and matte of cement steps

Where she sits between
rainless thunderheads
and radiant heat

Motionless and at war
while shame battles anger
in ceaseless stalemate

Yvonne McArthur is a freelance writer and developmental editor based in Guatemala. Growing up between cultures sparked her love for telling stories that encourage us to be kinder, more courageous, more connected humans. She’s completed one full-length fantasy novel and recently started her second. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies and online, and her editorial work helps writers sharpen their voice, strengthen their story arcs, and connect more deeply with their readers. When she’s not working on manuscripts, you’ll find her riding her motorcycle with her canine sidekick, hiking volcanoes, or devouring her latest read.